From Bandcamp, “Forged in the frostbitten echoes of the past, MJOLNE rises from the mists of time with their monumental debut album, "Through Veils of Time.” Rooted deeply in the glorious era of late '90s Norwegian black metal, this offering summons the same majestic and violent spirit that once carved names like EMPEROR, SATYRICON, DIMMU BORGIR, DISMAL EUPHONY, and MACTATUS into the obsidian stone of extreme music history.”

“What I Once Was” is first, and the music is harrowing, and sprinkled with orchestral elements. The vocals are horrid, and I definitely get shades of DIMMU BORGIR here. The music is very well composed, and every detail is in the proper place. Sometimes I get feelings of rage, and other times, despondence. The title track is just as nasty, and it saunters in slowly, and with feelings of hopelessness, that turn to anger. The symphonic elements are hauntingly beautiful, and they provide a nice contrast with the raw aggression. “In the Abyss of Existence” is slower, and also deeper, and darker in scope. They show great restraint when it comes to the orchestral elements, and they don’t take over, rather they supplement the sound.

The next song, “Til Helheim,” is divided into three movements. The first movement is steady in terms of the pacing, and not overly harrowing. There are even some light ambient and melodic elements mixed in. Part two is much shorter, and has ethereal qualities, allowing the listener to take a few breaths. It also has a hint of Dungeon Synth, a closely related genre. Part three begins with clean tones, and some somber leanings, and you are not ready for the bomb of aggression they drop. “The Cries Within” is longest, at eight minutes, and features a full dark and aggressive palate. Again, the orchestral elements perfectly supplement the sound, but don’t take it over.

“Ut av tiden” closes the album, and the song cries with sadness, regret, and perhaps, missed opportunities. Although I was expecting a FWOBM sound, I was pleasantly surprised by the modern sound while still keeping one of their feet planted in 90’s Norwegian Black Metal. The album was excellently composed, and it’s beyond amazing to consider that all of this was done by one person. All Black Metal fans will enjoy this, and Mjolne will also win over some new ones, like me.